News from Ukraine, Eastern Europe

"Sean, thanks to you, we know what a true friend of Ukraine is," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

Over 1,400 civilians were killed in the Bucha District during Russia's occupation between February and March 2022

"When an elderly woman is targeted by the repression machine, it is clear that this is not about 'justice'," Ukraine's Ombudsman Office wrote on Facebook.

Ukrainian officials denied that such talks had ever been planned.

Russia has also carried out forced mobilization in Crimea and intensified the militarization of the peninsula.

"If they thought they could subjugate (Iran) in a day or a few hours, they probably realize now just how seriously they miscalculated," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.

Air raid sirens sounded at 8:26 a.m. with explosions being heard shortly after.

"It follows from (Trump's) statements that it is the Ukrainian side that is the main obstacle," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.

A series of explosions were heard in Kyiv on Monday as Russia launched a rush hour drone attack on Ukraine's capital.

"We are acting to protect our people," Moldovan President Maia Sandu said.

The Kyiv Independent’s separate analytical unit, KI Insights, is excited to announce the launch of its podcast, Ukraine Insights — a show dedicated to unpacking Ukraine’s politics, security, economy, and international relations through in-depth, expert-driven conversations.

The number includes 760 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.

A top Ukrainian official said there was no "reliable alternative option" beyond the spring to keep Kyiv's finances afloat.